Origin 2 Preview ( With Stats )

Game 2 at ANZ stadium is played tonight, and it?s do or die for the mighty Maroons. After getting a footballing lesson in game 1, the QLD side have made several changes. Coming into the side are Bulldogs Steve Price and Travis Norton, Warrior Peter John Marsh, Roosters Justin Hodges and Chris Flannery, and Shark Chris Beattie. Gone from the QLD side are Doyle, Buttigieg, Schifcofske, Webb, Civinoceva, and Campion.

QLD?s hand was forced with injuries to Webb and Civinoceva, and the need to field a team with more attacking firepower and aggression. Beattie brings enough aggression for a whole forward pack, and he should spark a fired up QLD pack in the first 20 minutes. Northon, Price, Marsh, Hodges and Flannery bring plenty of attacking flair to the side.

Late changes to the QLD starting line may be on the cards as well. Smith may find himself starting at hooker moving Marsh to the bench, this may be a wise option as it would save Marsh from having to do a lot of defensive work in the first 20. If Marsh starts or not will show QLD?s hand, if he goes to the bench, the QLD?ers will be looking for an aggressive start, dominating up the middle, pounding the Blues. If Marsh starts they will be looking to attack from the out set, they?ll spread the ball, give it some air early and test out the Blues backs. The latter option would be a welcome surprise for QLD fans who are sick of seeing their side on the defensive.

NSW have had a shaky build up, losing Kennedy before the team was selected, forcing the Blues to call on tested backrower Steve Menzies. Barrett has been ruled out, and Anasta comes into the starting line up, with Storm?s Scott Hill coming onto the bench. Both coach Gould and lock Ricketson have had a virus to top it all off. How they handle these interruptions will effect the out come of the match. Ricketson could find himself being targeted in the same way a sick Langer was targeted in game 1.

Even the crowd size of game 3 is riding on this match, a close game either way will bring a big crowd to game 3, any thing else will keep the fans away, and 50,000 will be the best that can be hoped for.